McKinley is a political newcomer and a former felon who describes himself as a grassroots activist on behalf of ex-offenders.

Wallace founded a Christian publishing company and ran an unsuccessful campaign for Illinois Senate in 2006.

The winner faces former state Rep. Robin Kelly in the April 9 special election. She easily captured the -Democratic nomination in Tuesday's primary and has an advantage in the general election because the district is heavily Democratic. The territory includes Chicago neighborhoods, suburbs and some rural areas.